7
Operating the Nova3
Powering the Nova3 (48V)
The Nova3 is a condenser microphone and therefore needs to be operated by
connecting a phantom power supply. Phantom power is standard on most quality
mixers, outboard mic pre-amps (MIC pres), and hard disk recorders. If necessary
an external phantom power supply can also be used. The Nova3 receives the
phantom power directly from a microphone cable when connected to a mixer or other
microphone input that includes a phantom supply. The power is actually sent OUT of
the microphone INPUT, riding silently along with the audio signal. Most mixers have
a switch to engage the phantom power so be sure to check that the phantom power
is on.
Setting up the signal level
When connecting the Nova3 to a mixer or recorder input, be sure that the input is at
a suitable level. Also, be sure that the 48V phantom power is engaged as explained
above. Most mixers and recorders of reasonable quality will offer a microphone
input with MIC trim (usually called Trim or Gain) control. The purpose of the MIC trim
control is to optimize the amount of good signal to any noise associated with the
mixers electronics. A good MIC pre with trim also will have a Peak or Clip LED. To
set a good level on the MIC, set the Nova3 up in front of the desired sound source
and slowly raise the MIC trim control until you see the Peak LED light up. Then, turn
the mix trim control down until the LED does not light any more. On most mixers, the
ideal setting is that the trim control is turned up as much as possible without lighting
the Peak LED.
Microphone Placement
In order to maximize the sound quality, please pay careful attention to the placement
of your Nova3 and how it is positioned for the instrument or vocalist that you are
miking. All microphones, especially unidirectional or cardioids microphones, exhibit
a phenomenon know as the “proximity effect”. Very simply put, proximity effect is a
resulting change in the frequency response of a microphone based on the position of
the MIC capsule relative to the sound source. Specifically, when you point a cardioid
MIC directly at the sound source (on-axis) you will get the best frequency response,
however, when you start pointing the microphone slightly away (off-axis) you will
notice the low frequency dropping off and the microphone will start to sound
thinner.
For most vocal applications you’ll want to position the microphone directly in front
of the artist with the Nova3 in cardioid position. The same may be true for miking
instruments. However, you can make some pretty amazing equalization adjustments
by slightly changing the angle of the capsule to the sound source. This can be a very
